Crispy Cherry Cheesecake Delights: Air Fryer Egg Rolls

Introduction

Did you know that over 40% of American households now own an air fryer, yet many are still searching for creative, dessert-focused recipes to truly unlock its potential? If you’re looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make treat that combines the nostalgic comfort of cherry cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of an egg roll, you’ve landed on the perfect recipe. These Crispy Cherry Cheesecake Delights are a game-changer, transforming simple ingredients into a golden, portable dessert that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Forget the deep fryer and the mess—your air fryer delivers that perfect, shatteringly crisp shell while keeping the creamy, tangy filling cool and luscious. It’s a fun, innovative twist that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite party trick or indulgent weeknight treat.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients for a dessert that sings with flavor and texture. I’ve included sensory notes and substitutions to make this recipe your own.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, full-fat, room temperature): The star of the filling, providing a rich, tangy, and luxuriously creamy base. For best results, ensure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mixture. Substitution: Neufchâtel cheese for a slightly lighter option, or a 1:1 vegan cream cheese alternative.
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling perfectly without overpowering the cream cheese’s tang. You’ll notice it dissolves into a silky consistency. Substitution: An equal amount of coconut sugar or a monk fruit sweetener blend for a lower-glycemic option.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): The aromatic backbone that adds warm, floral notes and enhances the cheesecake flavor. Pure extract is highly recommended for the best taste.
• Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz): Provides juicy, sweet-tart cherry bursts and a vibrant red color. Look for a quality brand with plump cherries. Substitution: Any other pie filling like blueberry, apple, or peach. You can also use homemade compote.
• Egg Roll Wrappers (12 count): The vehicle for crispiness! These thin, square wrappers become incredibly light and crunchy in the air fryer. Found in the refrigerated produce section. Substitution: Spring roll wrappers (the thinner, translucent kind) for an even crispier, more delicate shell.
• Butter, melted (2 tbsp) or Cooking Spray: For brushing or spraying, creating that beautiful, golden-brown, crispy exterior. Butter adds a rich flavor, while a light avocado oil spray is a great neutral option.
• Powdered Sugar & Cinnamon Sugar (for serving): The finishing touches! A dusting of powdered sugar looks like a light snowfall, while a cinnamon-sugar roll adds a warm, spiced crunch.

Golden, crispy air fryer egg rolls filled with creamy cherry cheesecake—a perfect bite of sweet and crunchy!

Timing

One of the most compelling advantages of this recipe is its speed. Traditional baked cheesecake requires hours of baking and cooling, while deep-fried desserts involve thermometers and a pot of hot oil. This air fryer method slashes that time dramatically. With just 15 minutes of active prep and 10 minutes of cook time, you can have a restaurant-quality dessert ready in about 25 minutes total. Compared to the average dessert recipe which can take 60+ minutes, this is a revolutionary fast and fun process. The air fryer’s rapid circulation cooks the wrappers evenly and quickly, locking in the creamy filling without any risk of a soggy bottom.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the mixture until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The texture should be like a thick, spreadable frosting. Gently fold in about half of the cherry pie filling (reserve the rest for serving or drizzling) until just combined. You want ribbons of cherry throughout, not a uniformly pink filling. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to firm up slightly while you prepare your workstation—this makes the filling easier to handle.

Step 2: Assemble the Egg Rolls

Lay one egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with a corner pointing toward you (like a diamond). Place about 1.5 tablespoons of the cheesecake filling just below the center of the wrapper. Top with 2-3 extra cherry pieces if desired. Fold the bottom corner up and over the filling, tucking it snugly. Fold the left and right corners inward toward the center, forming an envelope shape. Now, roll it tightly upward toward the remaining top corner. Before the final roll, use your finger to dab a little water on the top corner—this acts as the “glue” to seal the egg roll shut. Press firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each assembled egg roll with melted butter or cooking spray. This is the key to achieving that deep golden color and crisp texture. Arrange the egg rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for proper air circulation. You will likely need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are uniformly golden brown and incredibly crispy to the touch. The filling will be warm and creamy inside.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Let the egg rolls cool for just 2-3 minutes—they will be extremely hot inside! This brief rest allows the filling to set slightly. Serve them warm on a platter. Dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. For an extra treat, you can roll them in cinnamon sugar while still slightly warm. Serve with the remaining cherry pie filling on the side for dipping or drizzling. The contrast of the hot, crispy shell and the cool, creamy filling is pure magic.

Nutritional Information

The following estimates are per egg roll (based on 12 servings, using full-fat cream cheese and brushed with butter).

• Calories: ~180 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 3g

Healthier Alternatives

You can easily adapt this recipe for different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor:

• Lighter Filling: Use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese and a zero-calorie sweetener like erythritol. The texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
• Sugar-Free & Lower-Carb: Opt for a sugar-free cherry pie filling or make your own compote with fresh cherries and a sweetener like allulose. You can also use low-carb tortillas cut into squares as a wrapper substitute, though the texture will be more like a crispy pastry.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: A high-quality vegan cream cheese works wonderfully. Use a plant-based butter or oil for brushing. Ensure your egg roll wrappers are vegan (most are, but check for egg).
• Fruit Swap: Instead of canned pie filling, use fresh, pitted cherries simmered with a little lemon juice and thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a less processed, naturally sweet option.

Serving Suggestions

• À la Mode: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The hot-and-cold contrast is sublime.
• Drizzle & Dip: Create a dessert charcuterie with sides of chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, and whipped cream for dipping.
• Gourmet Garnish: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a single, perfect cherry.
• Brunch Brilliance: These make a surprising and delightful addition to a fancy brunch spread, paired with coffee.

Common Mistakes

• Overfilling the Wrappers: This is the #1 cause of bursting. Use a measured tablespoon and leave a clear border for folding.
• Not Sealing Properly: If the final corner isn’t sealed with water, the egg rolls can unravel during cooking. Press firmly.
• Skipping the Preheating: Putting egg rolls into a cold air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy result. Always preheat.
• Crowding the Basket: Air needs to circulate. If the egg rolls are touching, they will steam instead of fry, resulting in a soft, chewy texture.
• Using Cold Filling: If the cream cheese is straight from the fridge, it will be difficult to mix smoothly and can tear the delicate wrappers during assembly.

Storing Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover, uncooked assembled egg rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before air frying. Cooked egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Freezing (Uncooked): This is the best method for make-ahead prep. Place assembled, uncooked egg rolls on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid (about 1 hour). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-4 minutes to the air fry time.
• Reheating: To restore crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-